Do I need a comma?

Question

Hi. I am trying to formulate a slogan for my brand.

It will be: the first years elevated

does there need to be a comma?

The first years, elevated

which is correct?!

thanks!

Answer 1

The necessary punctuation depends on the meaning you're trying to convey. I would probably go for no punctuation, but if you really want the reader to pause, I'd recommend an em dash here over a comma.

Answer 2

"The first years elevated" treats the word "elevated" like a verb. Without the comma, it reads like an incomplete thought: "The first years elevated <insert something the first years elevated>." What did they elevate? Did the first years elevate everyone's mood? Maybe the first years elevated my interest? Or perhaps the first years elevated the population's awareness of something?

"The first years, elevated" treats the word "elevated" like an adjective, as in "The first years were elevated" or "The elevated first years".

In the second example, "elevated" could be considered a verb if something else is added as the thing doing the elevating to the first years, such as: "The first years (were) elevated by the people", in which case, it would read: "The first years, elevated by the people" if we were to do something similar to your slogan.

So basically, the comma is necessary if you are using the word "elevated" to describe the first years. It essentially stands in for words like "are" and "were". Without it, "The first years" is an active participant doing the elevating.

Sometimes it helps to replace "the first years" with the name of a person to understand it more easily, such as "Annie elevated" versus "Annie, elevated." In the first example, Annie elevated...something. She elevated an object over her head, or she elevated her peers with praise, or she elevated her status by working hard. "Annie, elevated" is a standalone description of Annie herself. "Annie (is) elevated." "Elevated Annie is stronger than Normal Annie."

Make sense?

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Edit:

I just saw Patience's answer, and they are also correct!

Since this is a branding slogan and not part of a complete sentence, it doesn't have to have the comma. As a complete sentence, it is grammatically correct to use a comma, but if it's specifically for visual design purposes, 'technically correct grammar' isn't always necessary because it's a creative choice on the part of the designer. So stylistically, it's up to you! Coming from a graphic design background, I would say: If the comma creates a negative visual impact on the typography of your slogan, then throw it out. No matter which one you choose, just make sure it's consistent everywhere the slogan is being used, and you'll be golden!

Answer 3

A slogan must have a few words;therefore, it doesn't need a comma.In your case,' The First Year Elevated' makes a lot of sense without any punctuation. It ought to be short and precise.